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Kansas Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Everything you need to know about owning a firearm in the state of Kansas.

Kansas Reciprocity Map

Last Updated on October 2, 2024

Kansas Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

2.9M

STATE POPULATION

81K

LICENSES ISSUED

2.8%

LICENSE PERCENTAGE

50

STATES HONORED

18

MINIMUM AGE TO CC

4

YEARS LICENSE VALID

39

RECIPROCATING STATES

YES

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY

2

CC CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

What You Need to Know About Gun Ownership in Kansas

As a gun owner in Kansas, you are subject to all state of Kansas gun laws and have certain rights under these laws. It is your job to know these rules and understand how they apply to you.

Kansas is home to 2,900,000 people. About 2.8% of the population has a permit for concealed carry, and that license is valid for four years. The minimum age to carry a concealed firearm is eighteen.

If you are interested in getting a KS concealed carry license (or Kansas CCW license), you will need to complete an eight-hour certified firearms training course, approved by the attorney general.

At Concealed Coalition, we have trained over a million people and offer the courses you need to get certified. Contact us to find online or local training for your state today.

Summary of Kansas Gun Laws

Kansas is a shall-issue state, meaning that as long as you meet the requirements for obtaining a license, your application will be approved. It is also a permitless carry state for individuals above the age of eighteen for open carry and twenty-one for concealed carry for anyone who is legally allowed to own a gun. You may own a firearm at eighteen, as long as it has a barrel less than twelve inches long.

Concealed carry is legal for individuals under twenty-one but over the age of eighteen when on their own land, abode, or fixed place of business, when hunting, when attending a firearms safety course, or while target shooting at established ranges.

You do not need to have a license to purchase a handgun, and you do not need to register your handgun. You also do not need a background check to buy a handgun from a private individual, though it is required when purchasing a firearm from a Federal Firearms Dealer. However, you are exempt from a background check if you hold a Kansas concealed carry handgun license.

To get a concealed carry handgun license, you must be a state resident or a member of the military who is stationed in Kansas. You must be eighteen to receive a provisional license and twenty-one for a standard license. Additionally, you must pass an attorney general approved eight-hour gun safety training course.

Kansas recognizes all valid concealed carry permits and licenses issued by any other state or jurisdiction in the United States as of July 1, 2021, for non-residents.

Open Carry in Kansas

Permitless open carry is legal in Kansas for individuals over the age of eighteen who are legally allowed to own a gun.

Concealed Carry in Kansas

Permitless concealed carry is legal in Kansas for individuals over the age of twenty-one who are legally allowed to own a gun.

Self Defense Laws in Kansas

Kansas is a “castle doctrine” and “stand your ground” state with no duty to retreat anywhere that a person is legally allowed to be.

Use of Force

You are permitted to use reasonable force to protect yourself or another person if you have the reasonable expectation that illegal force will be used against you or another person. You also have the right to use reasonable force to protect your home, place of work, vehicle, or other property.

Use of Deadly Force

You are permitted to use deadly force in that event that it is reasonably necessary to prevent death or serious injury to yourself or another person or to prevent an individual from entering a dwelling, place of work, or occupied vehicle when there reason to believe that there is an intent by the other person to cause serious bodily harm.

Protecting Yourself After Use of Force

How you stand legally after using force will depend on how local county authorities view the situation. You can speak with a local attorney for more information. It’s important to equip yourself with Kansas concealed carry law knowledge via our firearms training course. A Conceal Coalition certification will provide you with everything you need to know to be a responsible gun owner in Kansas.

Kansas Gun Laws by Statute

No one ever wants to be in a position where you are forced to defend yourself with your firearm. While self-defense and defense of another are permitted under the conditions outlined above, it is up to the jurisdiction to determine whether or not you acted in a way protected by law.

At Concealed Coalition, our training courses are designed to help you understand how these laws apply to you and how to determine what to do in a real-life situation, so you are legally protected in the event that you do need to use force.

Contact us today at (785) 236-7830 or email to discuss your concealed carry permit educational needs.

Quick Links

CONCEALED CARRY LAWS IN KANSAS - THE BASICS

QUESTION

ANSWER

What States Have Reciprocity with Kansas?

Kansas concealed carry reciprocity extends to 39 other states and jurisdictions, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Which States’ Permits Does Kansas Honor?

Kansas honors permits from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico.

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with Kansas

Arizona, Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming.

To see this visually, refer to the top of the page for the Kansas CCW reciprocity map.

Does Kansas recognize constitutional carry?

Is Kansas a constitutional carry state? Yes. Kansas allows constitutional carry.

Is open carry permitted in Kansas?

Yes. Open carry is permitted in Kansas.

If Kansas requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?

Kansas does not require a permit to carry a concealed firearm for individuals above the age of twenty-one. You may apply for one through an application to the Attorney General’s Office if you are eighteen and wish to obtain a provisional permit or if you are above the age of twenty-one and wish to avoid a background check when purchasing firearms.

What is the minimum age in Kansas to get a concealed carry license?

You may apply for a provisional concealed carry handgun license (CCHL) at eighteen and a standard one at the age of twenty-one.

Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Kansas with a concealed carry license (or under permit-less carry if applicable)?

No, you may not carry other weapons under concealed carry laws in Kansas.

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Kansas?

Yes, you may own a taser or a stun gun in Kansas, but you may not bring them into a school.

Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Kansas?

Yes, you may purchase and possess pepper spray or chemical spray in Kansas.

Does Kansas have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

No, there are no magazine capacity restrictions.

Does Kansas have ammunition restrictions?

Yes. You are not permitted to sell or possess plastic-coated handgun ammunition.

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN KANSAS

QUESTION

ANSWER

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Kansas?

Yes. Anyone who is legally allowed to possess and firearm and at least twenty-one may carry a concealed handgun in your vehicle. You must be eighteen to transport an unloaded and secured firearm.

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Kansas?

Yes, you may carry a concealed firearm at a rest stop.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest and Wildlife Management Areas in Kansas?

Yes, you may carry a firearm in state or national parks and wildlife areas.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Kansas?

Yes, as long as you do not consume drugs or alcohol.

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Kansas?

There are no state laws regarding carrying guns in hotels. It is up to the discretion of the hotel to make its own policies regarding firearms, so it is best to contact the property ahead of time.

Does Kansas have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

Yes. No public or private employer can restrict your right to carry or store a firearm in your own vehicle, even while parked on their property. Private employers may also not restrict your right to carry while engaged in your duties as long as you are outside the employer’s place of business and are legally allowed to carry. Local ordinances may apply to public employees.

IMPORTANT GUNS LAWS IN KANSAS

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Kansas?

No, you have no duty to inform an officer that you are carrying.

Are "No Weapons Allowed? signs enforced in Kansas? If, yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If, no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

No, no weapons allowed signs are not recognized in Kansas.

Does Kansas have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Yes, the state’s laws preempt local ordinances, with limited exceptions. However, towns and municipalities may prohibit public employees from carrying concealed firearms while at the employer’s place of work and while performing duties related to employment.

Local municipalities may also restrict or prohibit concealed carry in Kansas public buildings that are protected by security measures such as electronic equipment and security personnel.

Does Kansas have a red flag law?

No, there is no red flag law in Kansas.

Does Kansas state law define brandishing?

There is no definition of brandishing in Kansas state law, but you may be charged with aggravated assault or assault with a deadly weapon if you knowingly make someone feel that bodily harm is imminent with your firearm.

Does Kansas have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?

It is illegal to consume alcohol or drugs to the extent that you are unable to operate a firearm safely. Regardless, it is unsafe to consume alcohol or drugs when in possession of a firearm.

Does Kansas issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?

No. Kanasa only issues concealed carry permits to active military personnel stationed in Kansas, but it recognizes permits from all fifty states and Puerto Rico.

Does Kansas allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

Concealed carry Kansas registry information is not considered an open public record, though it is available to police and other law enforcement officials.

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN KANSAS

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Kansas?

No, no permit is required to purchase a handgun.

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Kansas?

No, but federal provisions still apply.

Does my current Kansas concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm?

Yes, it does.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Kansas?

No, there is no waiting period.

Do handguns need to be registered in Kansas?

No, they do not.

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Kansas?

The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun is eighteen.

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home in Kansas without a license?

Yes, permitless carry is legal in the state of Kansas.

Acquiring a Concealed Carry License in Kansas

Quick Links

KANSAS CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Concealed Carry Requirements to Register for a License in Kansas

An applicant must:

Meet federal requirements
Be at least twenty-one for a permanent license or eighteen for a provisional license.
Be in the United States legally.
Be a resident of Kansas with a valid state ID such as a driver’s license or be in the military and stationed in Kansas on active duty.
Be a resident of the county you are applying in.
Complete an eight-hour training course or other approved training
Have read and become familiar with the Kansas Personal and Family Protection Act.

Fees:

As of July 1, 2023, the conceal and carry Kansas application fee for an initial license is $32.50. Renewals cost $0.

Valid For:

Your license will be valid for four years.

Processing Time:

Your application may take up to 90 days to process.

Applications:

You can find an application here.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry License:

Kansas does not issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents to anyone except active-duty military personnel and their dependents. These individuals may use the same application process as Kansas residents.

Name & Address Changes:

To change your name or address on your concealed carry license, you must fill out a Change of Name/Address Notification Form found here.

Lost or Stolen Licenses:

If you have lost your license or believe it was stolen, you must notify the Concealed Carry Licensing Unit (CCLU) of the attorney general’s office in writing within 30 days. To get a new one issued, you must complete the lost or destroyed permit form and have it notarized. There is a $15.00 fee to issue a replacement. You can use a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check made out to the Office of the Attorney General. Once you have your application and check, you must mail it to the Attorney General.

Once they receive your application, they will send you a notice to re-issue your license, which you may pick up at a Kansas Department of Revenue station. The station will have an additional fee to produce your new CCHL.

Residency Changes:

If you are moving out of Kansas to another state, your CCHL will expire when you establish residency in another state or jurisdiction.

If you are moving to Kansas from another state, you may apply for your CCHL as soon as you establish residency with an approved government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license, or once you begin active duty military service in the state.

KANSAS CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

Step One:

Complete a firearm training course.

Step Two:

Download and read the Kansas Personal and Family Protection Act.

Step Three:

Complete the Concealed Carry Permit application (linked aboved).

Step Four:

Take the completed application with the following documents to the county sheriff to be finger printed.

Photocopy of certificate showing completion of training course
A passport-style color photograph taken within the preceding 30 days
A photocopy of your Kansas driver’s license or Kansas identification card
A check of $32.50 payable to the Sheriff of the applicant’s county of residence.

Step Five:

After the processing time, you will be notified if your application has been approved.

KANSAS CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Step One:

Renewals are the responsibility of the licensee.

A renewal notice with step-by-step instructions and an application form will be mailed to the applicant’s address at least 90 days before their active license expires.

Failure to submit a renewal application prior to expirations will results in an additional $15 processing fee (licenses are considered permanently expired 6 months after the expiration date).

Step Two:

Complete the application form. Be sure to have it notarized prior to submission.

Step Three:

Mail the completed, notarized application with the following documents via certified mail to the Attorney General. You can also hand deliver the package to the Attorney General’s Office in Topeka.

A passport-style color photograph taken within the preceding 30 days
A check, for $25 (payable to Kansas Attorney General).

Step Four:

You will receive a notice of approval after processing.

Take the notice of approval to a Kansas Driver’s License Station for issuance. Licenses will be renewed for 4 years from the date of expiration.

Get Certified for a Kansas Concealed Carry Permit Today

There are many benefits to obtaining a concealed carry permit in the state of Kansas, but doing so requires an eight-hour training course that has been approved by the attorney general. If you are interested in getting your concealed carry permit, Concealed Coalition can help you get the training you need to do so. Contact us today to find the gun training course that meets your needs.

Did we miss something?

If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved promptly. Your feedback matters to us, and we greatly appreciate you helping us make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners! The information contained on this website is provided by Concealed Coalition as a service to its members and the public. The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our goal is to provide thorough, up-to-date information regarding concealed carry laws, reciprocity, and requirements. We make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. At the time of publishing the information contained in this page was correct and up-to-date. However, laws are constantly changing, and as a result, nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice. Please consult a lawyer should you require legal advice regarding concealed carry and gun laws in your state. Did you know our membership includes a pre-paid legal protection plan? Sign up today and gain access to 24/7 coverage from a team of legal experts.

*Legal protection plans available in select states.

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